p. 19 | Evangelistic Work on the Pacific Coast

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Dec 27, 1906

Evangelistic Work on the Pacific Coast

By M. C. Wilcox

The meetings of Elder W. W. Simpson, which have now been in progress about five weeks in the city of Oakland, are creating an agitation over the leading features of this faith far in advance of any previous efforts in that city. He has a large tent, eighty by one hundred and twenty feet, near the heart of the city, capable of seating fifteen hundred persons, and is holding meetings every evening with a most excellent attendance at every service.

Although the people are held oftentimes until ten o'clock, and although the subjects of the true Sabbath and the nature of man have been dwelt on at large, still the interest holds good. When the writer was there one Sunday evening and listened to the subject, “Will Rome Rule Again?” expounded and drawn out in a clear, concise, and convincing manner, the audience, which filled the tent to the extent of the seating capacity, seemed almost spellbound. Again and again as the speaker would go over the lines of prophecy in the books of Daniel and the Revelation, the first one given B. C. 600, the last one away down this side of the cross, and would show how perfectly harmonious they were, all who believed God's Word must have felt that they point to the time when the power of the papacy will be restored, and Rome will rule as in former days.

The manner in which these truths are presented seems to appeal to every person, not because it is so scholarly and masterful from the educational point, but because it is so clear-cut and convincing from the Biblical standpoint.

The symbols of the prophecies in Daniel and Revelation are illustrated by nearly life-size images of the beast symbols standing in a row upon the platform.

But the secret of success in such an effort as this lies in dwelling in “the secret place of the Most High.” When the Spirit of God rests upon one who is dwelling there, it makes him bold and fearless. He feels anxious alone for the favor and approval of God and the salvation of souls, and he dares to say the strongest and most solemn things and leave the result with God. Where we have one thus equipped, we ought to have a hundred. Where are our young men? Why are they standing idle in the market-places when the fields are all white for the harvest? Many in the world are hungry for the gospel, and it should be presented with that power and fearlessness that is befitting such a message and such a time. When such glorious possibilities are wrapped up in you and in the methods of presenting the message, how can you falter and wait and dream while the days are so rapidly hurrying us on to the end of all things?

Let us pray that our strong young men may enlist at once in this closing work. Venture something on God's unfailing promises, and see how quickly the work can be finished and his children gathered home.

MRS. M. C. WILCOX.